Glass framing system

ABSTRACT

There is provided an improved glass framing system including spaced vertical mullions having exceptionally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is achieved by providing opposed shallow glazing pockets; however, contiguous with one of the shallow pockets is a deep glazing area so that the glass or other panel may be first inserted into the deep glazing area of one mullion, and then shifted from the deep glazing area to the normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in confronting shallow glazing pockets.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,881,287 Biebuyck 1 May 6, 1975 GLASSFRAMING SYSTEM 3,196,992 7/1965 Owen 52/498 x 3,352,078 11 1967 N l 52502 X [751 inventor: Lawrence Biebuycl Mesqute- 3,403.491 lO/l968 Ei chman 525502 x 3,566,561 3/1971 Tozer l 52/127 Assign:Z Kawneer p y Inc,Niles 3,579,943 5/l97l Tam 52/498 X Mich. Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw,Jr. [22] Flled: 1074 Attorney, Agent, or FirmMason, Kolehmainen, [21]Appl No.: 499,216 Rathburn & Wyss Related US. Application Data [63]Continuation of Ser. No. 401,592, Sept. 28, 1973, [57] ABSTRACTabandoned. which is a continuation of Ser, No. There is provided animproved glass framing system l971- abandoned which is 8 includingspaced vertical mullions having exceptioncommuat'onmpan of 5935 Julyally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is I970 abandonedachieved by providing opposed shallow glazing pock ets; however,contiguous with one of the shallow 52/127; 1 6 g/Z5 pockets is a deepglazing area so that the glass 0r p n 6 a v I Q l a l I o I e v c n v an 6 l 1 u a e I u n 0 I a [58] Field of Search 52/397, 398, 399, 400,area 0f one mumcmv and then shifted from the deep [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 3,023,859 3/1962 Muessel .1 52/720 glazing area tothe normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provideretention of the panel in confronting shallow glazing pockets.

[1 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEE W 5 SHEET M 0? I R KW Mb, m mm\vmm mm N W S /A/\/EA/7"0Q ZAWRENCEFB/EBUYCK 77mm, {OM/rum Kafhmz and 71/44.

GLASS FRAMING SYSTEM This is a continuation application of patentapplication Ser. No. 40l .592. filed on Sept. 28. 1973 and nowabandoned. Patent application Ser. No. 401.592 is a continuationapplication of application Ser. No. 197,705, filed Nov. 1 l, l97l andnow abandoned. Patent application Ser. No. l97.705 is acontinuation-inpart application of patent application Ser. No. 59.9l5filed July 31, I970 and now abandoned.

The present invention is a continuation-impart of my copendingapplication serial No. 59.915 filed July 31, I970.

The present invention relates to an improved glass framing system, andmore particularly to a glass framing system the members of which have avery narrow face width.

Heretofore difficulty has been experienced in obtaining glass framing.such as spaced apart mullions, having a minimum face width. particularlywith the adjacent glass or other panels being held in the same plane.Typically a glass framing wall system with the panels inserted aftererection of the framing, or upon reglazing, requires a mullion structurehaving a deep glazing pocket and a shallow glazing pocket in adjacentmullions confronting each other. It is understood that the term shallowglazing pocket" as herein used, refers to a glazing pocket normallyaccepting the edge ofa glazing panel substantially for the full depth ofthe pocket, while a deep glazing pocket" refers to a glazing pocketwherein the edge ofthe panel is spaced outward from the bottom of thepocket so that the edge of a glazed panel will normally extend onlypartially toward the bottom of a deep glazing channel. Conventionallythe edge of the glass or other panel may first be inserted into the deepglazing pocket, the opposite edge then being inserted into theconfronting shallow glazing pocket, and thereafter the glass or otherpanel being shifted toward the shallow glazing channel to position theglass or other panel. Typically the glass stops are then assembled toretain the glass in position. It will be understood that in the typicalsystem just described. each mullion has opposed deep and shallow glazingpockets. Thus the face or width of the mullion is necessarily dependenton the combined depth of a deep and shallow glazing channel. Moreover insuch an arrange ment there is always a danger present that the glasswill creep back toward the bottom of the deep glazing channel in theabsence of blocking and the like.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved glass framing system which overcomes the above mentioneddifficulties.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provision of a new andimproved glass framing system having a provision of a new and improvedglass framing system having frame members of very narrow face width.

Another object ofthe present invention is the provision of a new andimproved mullion construction having a very narrow face width.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved glazing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of aframing system having coplanar adjacent panels supported by a narrowface framing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved mullion and mullion filler assembly.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent as the following description proceeds and the features ofnovelty which character ize the invention will be pointed out withparticularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of thisspecification.

In accordance with these and other objects there is provided an improvedglass framing system having a narrow face mullion structure. Each of themullions is formed with opposed shallow glazing areas. and a deepglazing area is contiguous with one of the shallow glazing areas.Accordingly glazing may be installed by insertion of an edge thereofinto the deep glazing area. positioning of the opposite edge of theglass panel into the adjacent confronting shallow glazing area, andthereafter shifting of the first edge of the glass panel from thedeep-glazing area to the contiguous shallow glazing area of the mullion.Mullion fillers may then be applied to prevent the glass from shiftingback into the deep glazing area and to cover the deep glazing area.

Suitable hardware and joinery are provided for completing the wallsystem. and include a novel snaptogether threshold assembly. the mullionfiller system. and nylon setting blocks for relieving the horizontals ofany load from the weight of glass.

Advantageously once the glass has been installed it is impossible forthe glass to shift into the deep pocket and thereby expose the raw edgeof glass at the opposite side. Moreover there is provided a systemhaving a very desirable architectural appearance with minimum face widthof the frame members. In addition to the narrow profile the framemembers are capable of accepting glass in the conventional flush glazedmanner, without the application of projected stops, and withoutofisctting of the planes of adjacent glass panels. The mullion system iscompatible with other mullion systems and may be used in connectionthereto.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may behad to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is an elevational view of a glass framing assembly, including anentrance, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 22 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a detail cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1. taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational cross sectional view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. I, taken along line 44 of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional detailed view of the glass framing assemblyof FIG. I, taken along line S S of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of the glass framing as sembly of FIG.I, taken along line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view ofthe glass framing assembly of FIG.1, illustrating the glazing technique;

FIG. 8 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 88 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a sectional detail view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1. taken along line 99 of FIG. 1.

FIG. is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG.1, taken along line l0l0 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a detail of glass framingassembly of FIG, 1;

FIG. 13 is a plan section view of a glass framing system according toanother embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the glass framing assembly of FIG.13 illustrating the glazing technique.

Referring now to drawings. and particularly to the embodiments of FIGS.1 through 12, there is illustrated a glass framing assembly generallyreferred to as 20, FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. Astherein illustrated the glass framing assembly includes spaced verticalmullions 21 and 22, a cripple mullion 23, intermediate horizontals 24and 25, and a transom member 26. Intermediate the two vertical mullions.such as mullions 21 and 22, are header members 27 and 28. The mullions22 and 23 and transom mem her 26 define an entrance opening 30 for adoor (not shown). Along the bottom of the glass framing assembly 20 aresill members 31 and 32 extending between the vertical mullions, exceptin the area of the entrance opening 30 wherein there is provided athreshold assembly 33. The interconnecting mullions and frame memberdefine glazing openings for supporting suitable glazing panels. such asglazing panels 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, of glass or other suitablematerial.

The basic vertical members or mullions, such as the mullions 21, 22 and23, are best illustrated in cross section in FIG. 6. Referring to thevertical mullion 21 as typical, the vertical mullion 21 includes aunitary ex truded construction element, of aluminum or other suitableextrudable material 4] having inner and outer face portions 42 and 43defining spaced apart parts and interconnecting portions. Each of theinner and outer face portions, in the illustrated embodiment, are ofgenerally tubular cross section of particularly narrow width, In aparticular commercial embodiment, the width of the face portions 42 and43 is one inch. The face portions 42 and 43 are connected by suitableweb portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web portion41a having one edge thereof integrally se cured to the face portion 42intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazingpockets 45 and 46. A longitudinally extending web 41b extends normal tothe transverse web 41a therefrom to the side surface of the face portion43, and a further transversely extending web 41(' interconnects the web411) with the face portion 43. The webs 41b and 41c, with the faceportion 43, together define or form a stepped glazing pocket includingas integral portions thereof a deep glazing pocket or area 47 contiguouswith the shallow glazing pocket 46 and having a depth substantiallygreater than the depth of the shallow glazing pocket 46.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets 46 and 47,there is provided a suitable mullion filler 50, best illustrated in FIG.7. In the illustrated embodiment the mullion filler 50 is of the roll-intype, and to this end there is provided a longitudinally extendinggroove 41d within the contiguous pockets 46 and 47 for receiving a toeportion 50a of the mullion filler 50,

which together define a hinge. Moreover the inner sur face of the faceportion 43 is provided with a longitudinally extending recess extendinginwardly from the outer or jamb surface thereof and having a surface 430approximating an are extending from the center of the groove 41d, with aradius r. The mullion filler includes an outer external surface 50!)complementary to the recess 43a, so that the toe portion 50a of themullion filler 50 may be inserted in the groove 41d, and the mullionfiller 50 may then be rolled into mating position with the surface ofthe recess 43a. The surface 50!) is formed with a curvatureapproximating an are having a radius r equal to the radius r providingthe rolling fit.

To provide for a latitude of installation options, the constructionelements 41 are formed with a plurality of screws aplines 52, and, inthe outer edges of the shallow pockets 45 and 46, the constructionelements 41 have integrally formed splines 53 shaped as combinationscrew splines for receiving a threaded fastener, and as gasket retaininggrooves for retaining glazing gaskets. Confronting the spline 53 in theshallow glazing pocket 46 on the mullion filler 50 is provided a gasketretain ing channel 54, FIGS. 6 and 7.

The manner of glazing for the wall system 20 is illustrated in FIG. 7.As therein illustrated the glass panel 35 has a first edge 35apositioned with the deep glazing pocket 47 of the vertical mullion 21.The other end 35b thereof will then clear the face portions of theadjacent million 22, so that the panel 35 may be directed into theshallow glazing channel 45 of the mullion 22. Thereafter the panel 35may be shifted laterally from the position illustrated in phantom to theposition illustrated in solid in FIG. 7. The mullion filler 50 may thenbe rolled into position, the retaining gaskets installed, and glazing isnow complete.

In a commercial installation the shallow glazing pockets 46 and 47 arenominally seven sixteenths inch deep, while the auxiliary or deepglazing pocket 47 contiguous with the glazing pocket 46 is nominallyseven-eighths of an inch deep. Thus with the glazing installed the glasscoverage in the glazing pockets is normally a standard three-eighthsinch. Moreover once the glazing has been installed, it is impossible forthe glass to shift back to the deep pocket preventing exposure of anyraw edges of the glass on opposite sides. The mullions 21, 22, and 23are nominally one inch wide, and the single web 41a interconnecting thefaces 42 and 43 attributes to the narrow or shallow depth of themullion.

To provide for intermediate horizontals, a horizontal mullion having aface width of one inch is provided for matching the width of thevertical mullion. The oneinch face horizontal is best illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 11. As therein illustrated there is provided theintermediate horizontal 24 having tubular face portions 24a, 24binterconnected by an intermediate transverse web 240 and definingopposed shallow glazing pockets 56 and 57. Thus it will be seen thatthere are no removable glass stops in the intermediate horizontals.Suitable screw splines 24d are extruded within the internal tubular faceportions 240 and 24b to provide for attachment of the intermediatehorizontals ot the two verticals. Such attachment may, if desired, beaccomplished with a stud connection, wherein stud fasteners projectingfrom the end of the horizontal 24 would be inserted in suitable holes inthe through verticals. However in the illustrated embodiment, shearblocks 58 are provided for attaching the intermediate horizontal to thethrough verticals. More specifically the shear blocks 58 are fastenedinto the side surfaces of the face portions 32 and 43 of the desiredvertical mullion by suitable screws 59. Moreover the tubular faces 24aand 24b of the horizontals are cut away at the bottom, as indicated at246, FIG. 11, so that the horizontal may be positioned over the shearblocks 58 after they have been fastened to the vertical mullions. Screwfasteners 60 secure the intermediate horizontals to the shear blocks 58.

The mullions and intermediate horizontals provide adequate strengthtransverse to a wall, however because of the comparatively narrow widthof the sections it may not be desired to carry the glass loads in thehorizontals. Accordingly to prevent transmitting the glass load to theintermediate horizontals, in the illustrated embodiment suitable nylonstuds 62 may be provided threaded through the web 240 of theintermediate horizontal 24 and transmitting the upper glass load fromthe glass panel 35 directly into the lower glass panel 36, as bestillustrated in FIG. 2. However, it has been found that the glass loadwill be transferred to the intermediate horizontal through conventionalsetting blocks at one-sixth or one-fourth points, so that significantbending loads do not occur in the intermediate horizontals. Accordinglythe nylon studs 62 may be omitted if desired.

The header member 27 and sill members 31 and 32 are all identical andperforms the same function. More specifically each includes a gutterelement 64, FIGS. 2 and 4, which may be fastened directly into thebuilding wall by suitable fasteners, here shown as screws 65. The screws65 are directed through a somewhat intermediate section having aT-shaped lower groove 64a, and to prevent collapse of the gutter section64 in this area a suitable fastening block or chain 67 is inserted inthe T-shaped groove 64a under the fasteners 65. The gutter sections 64are provided with portions interlocking with suitable glass stops 68.

In view of the removable glass stops 68 on the header member 27 and sillmembers 32 and 33, it is not necessary for the intermediate horizontalto have removable stops. Suitable setting blocks 69 are used spacedbelow the bottom of the lower panel 36. Moreover the T- shaped grooves640 provide clearance for fastening straps and the like for the mullionsand threshold.

The transom member 26 is similar to the other intermediate horizontalsin that it includes opposed face portions 26a, 26b, FIG. 4,interconnected by transverse web portion 26c, and defining opposedshallow glass pockets 7] and 72. A suitable filler or door stop 73, inthe illustrated embodiment, covers the lower pockets 72. Preferably thetransom member 26 is fastened directly to the web of the two verticals,and to this end the transom member 26 is provided with a plurality ofscrew splines 26d to provide for the direct attachment by suitablescrews 74.

The cripple mullion 23 may be secured directly to the transom member 26by suitable screws 75, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Suitable mullion anchors are provided for the top and bottom of thethrough mullions. Specifically, and referring first to intermediatevertical mullions such as mullion 22, the mullion anchor 80, FIGS. 8 and12, is provided of generally cross shape having a body portion 80aformed with a plurality of screw holes 80b to selectively receivesuitable screw fasteners 82 extending into aligned screw splines in themullion. A pair of opposed legs c, 80d, are provided with suitableopenings, here shown in the form of slots 80e for receiving suitablescrew fasteners 82 securing the assembled anchor and mullion to thebuilding wall or floor.

However for attaching the end mullion, such as mullion 2], to thebuilding, one of the legs of the mullion anchor is cut off so that thereis provided suitable mullion anchors 85 of generally T-shaped having abody portion 85a formed with suitable screw holes 85b for receivingscrew threaded into the corresponding screw splines of the verticalmullion A single outstanding leg 85c is provided with an opening such asslot 85v for receiving suitable fasteners into the wall or floor of thebuilding. It would be understood that the legs 85c, 80d of the mullionanchor 80 and the legs 80c of the mullion anchor 85 will fit within thegroove 64a of the gutter sections 64, providing for typing of the guttersec tions to the anchors.

As best illustated in FIG. 4, the threshold assembly 33 includes afastening block or strip 88, extending under the jamp mullions 22 and 23and secured thereto by screws threaded through the strip 88 into thescrew splines of the respective mullions. The threshold strip 88 issecured to the floor of the building in any suitable manner as by screws89. The threshold strip includes outwardly extending projections 88abeing chamfered at their upper edge to define cam surfaces 8819. Athreshold member 90 is provided having a central recess 90a and a pairof somewhat resilient fingers 90b having detent portions 90c arranged tocam over the cam surfaces 88b and snapped into locking position over theprojections 88a. The threshold member 90 may be formed of any suitable,somewhat resilient material, and in the illustrated embodiment is formedof a plastic material. Advantageously a plastic threshold providesdesirable wear properties, and permits for matching color of thethreshold to be incorporated into the body of the threshold member 90.Accordingly any coloring of the threshold member 90 will not wear offwith usage of the member. Moreover the strip 88 prevents collapse of thethreshold member 90.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrateda variation of the present wall system similar to that heretoforedescribed but wherein a snap in mullion filler is provided rather than aroll-in mullion filler.

Specifically, there is illustrated a glass framing assembly generallyreferred to as in accordance with the present embodiment of theinvention. As therein illustrated the glass framing assembly 100includes spaced vertical mullions I0! and 102 and a cripple mullion 103,similar to the vertical mullions 21 and 22 and the cripple mullion 23heretofore described, but adapted for receiving snap-in mullion fillers.Suitable interconnecting mullions and frame members are provided todefine glazing openings and entrances and, in particular, for supportinga glazing panel 105 of glass or other suitable material.

The basic vertical members or mullions, such as the mullions 101, 102and I03 are best illustrated in crosssection in FIG. 13. Referring tothe vertical mullion 101 as typical, the vertical mullion [01 includes aunitary extruded construction element 106, of aluminum or other suitableextrudable material, having inner and outer face portions I07 and 108and interconnecting portions. Each of the inner and outer face portions,in

the illustrated embodiment, are of generally tubular cross-section ofparticularly narrow width. In a particu lar commercial embodiment, thewidth of the face por tions [07 and 108 is one inch. The face portions107 and I08 are connected by suitable web portions including alongitudinally extending transverse web portion 106a having one edgethereof integrally secured to the face portions I07 intermediate itswidth and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets 110, l ll. A longitudinally extending web 106k extends nor mal to the transverseweb 106:: therefrom to the side surface of the face portion 108, and afurther trans versely extending web l06 interconnects the web 106!) withthe face portion 108. The webs 106!) and 106iwith the face portion 108together define a deep glazing or area 113 contiguous with the shallowglazing pocket 1] 1.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets ll] and H3,there is provided a suitable mullion filler US. In the illustratedembodiment the mul lion filler H is of the snap-in type, of somewhat U-shape having a bight portion 1150, FIG. 14 and out wardly projectinglegs 115b, 1150. A suitable gasket retaining channel 120 is providedalong the bight portion 115:: adjacent the leg 1150. A longitudinallyextending rib 117 is provided within the contiguous pockets 1]] and 113for receiving or interlocking with the longitudinally extending groove118 of the mullion filler 115. The groove 118 is defined on the outersurface of an inwardly projecting web 12] at the free end of the leg1150. The web 121 is provided with a camming surface l2lu adapted tosnap over the rib 117. Moreover the leg llSb of the mullion filler H5 isdimensioned to be received within a channel 122 defined between the web106!) and the face 108 of the mullion 101. As is well known, additionalgasket retaining channels [23 are provided on the construction element106.

The manner of glazing for the wall system 100 is similar to thatheretofore described and is best illustrated in FIG. 14. As thereinillustrated the glass panel I05 has a first edge 105a positioned withinthe deep glazing pocket N3 of the vertical mullion 101. The other end105/ thereof will then clear the face portions of the adjacent mullion102, so that the panel 105 may be directed into the shallow glazingchannel I of the mullion I02. Thereafter the panel 105 may be shiftedlaterally from the position illustrated in phantom in FIG, 14 to theposition illustrated in solid. The mullion filler 115 may then besnapped into position, the cam surface 121a caming over the rib [17 sothan the rib ll7 snaps into the groove I I8 and so that the leg llShlocks into the channel 122. The retaining and glazing gaskets areinstalled, and the glazing is now complete.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, itwill be apparent that numerous other modifications and embodiments maybe devices by those skilled in the art and it is intended by theappended claims to cover all modifications and embodiments which willfall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

I. In combination, a construction element of the type includingtransversely aligned inner and outer face portions and interconnectingportions, said interconnecting portions including a longitudinallyextending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one ofsaid face portions intermediate its width and forming the bottom ofopposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending webextending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in onedirection therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp webextending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other ofsaid face portions to define a deep glazing pocket contiguous with oneof said shallow glazing pockets; and a mullion filler locked to saidconstruction element and including a longitudinally extending web normalto the first mentioned web seated in said deep glazing pocket, and alongitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge ofthe last mentioned web to said other of said face portions whereby saidcombination defines a mullion having opposed shallow glazing pockets.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said mullion is providedwith opposed gasket channels in each said surface of each shallowglazing pocket.

3. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamp surface andparts defining a glazing area in the jamp surface, and a mullion fillercooperatively associated with said construction element for retainingthe edge ofa panel in said glazing area, said parts defining saidglazing area including web portions forming a channel having alongitudinally extending interlocking element spaced inwardly from saidjamp surface, and said mullion filler being of a generally U-shapeincluding a first leg received against the bottom of said channel andincluding a projection extending from the opposite leg having alongitudinally extending interlocking element along its outer surfacecomplimentary to the first mentioned interlocking element, and furtherincluding a camming surface on its outer edge snapped over the firstmentioned interlocking element with said mullion filler in said channelin mating position and said other leg being substantially coplanar withsaid jamb surface.

4. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamb surface andpartsdefining a glazing area in the jamb surface, and a mullion fillercooperatively associated with said construction element for retainingthe edge of a panel in said glazing area, said parts defining saidglazing area including web portions forming a channel having alongitudinally extending filler retainer spaced inwardly from said jambsurface, and said mullion filler including a first element having oneend received against the bottom of said channel and including anotherelement extending from the other end of said first element having alongitudinally extending retainer means at its outer surfacecomplimentary to said longitudinally extending filler retainer forinterlocking therewith, and further including a camming surface on itsouter edge snapped into interlocking relation with said filler retainerin said channel in mating position and said other element beingsubstantially coplaner with said jamb surface.

5. A framing system comprising a first vertical mullion.

a second vertical mullion, said first and second mul lions beingdisposed in a substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship todefine a space for receiving a planar panel therebetween.

each of said first and second mullions comprising a substantiallyidentical, elongated, unitary construction element having an outer,generally rectangular, cross-sectional configuration in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis, said rectangular crosssectionalconfiguration being defined by a first outermost pair of substantiallyparallel, unitary, face portions of said mullion that define the widthof said mullion and one outer side dimension of said rectangularcross-scctional configuration and that extend between the formuninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces between the planes of a secondpair of substantially parallel side portions of said mullion that definethe other outer side dimension of said rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration, said first pair of portions being disposed substantiallyperpendicularly to said second pair of portions and substantiallyparallel to the plane of said planar panel, said unitary constructionelement further including first, second and third means for receiving apanel, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazingpocket opening in a first direction from each of said first and secondmullions, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocketopening in a second direction, generally opposite from said firstdirection, from each of said first and second mullions, said firstreceiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion of said firststepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving a firstlongitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first and secondmullions and said second receiving means Comprising a comparativelyshallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means forreceiving said first edge of said panel from said first receiving meansand for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mounted conditionwith said first edge of said panel disposed in said second receivingmeans of one of said first and second mullions and with a second,parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said thirdreceiving means of the other one of said first and second mullions,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means, and

means mounted on at least one of said first and second mullions formaintaining said panel in said relatively fixed mounted conditionbetween said first and second mullions.

6. A framing system as defined in claim wherein the width of each ofsaid first and second mullions is substantially one inch.

7. A framing system as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said first andsecond mullions further comprises means for securely mounting ahorizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.

8. A framing system for framing a planar member comprising a firstelongated mullion formed by a first elongated construction element,

a second elongated mullion formed by a second elongated constructionelement, said first and second construction elements havingsubstantially identical cross-sectional configurations in a directiontransverse to their longitudinal axes,

each of said first and second construction elements including a pair ofparallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width ofeach of said mullions in a direction transverse to said longitudinalaxes and parallel to the plane of said planar member, said face portionscomprising unitary, jointless surfaces substantially across the entirewidth of each of said mullions,

each of said first and second construction elements further including aninner portion extending between and joining said pair of outermost facepor tions, said inner portion comprising first, second and third meansfor receiving a planar member, said first and second means comprising afirst, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each ofsaid first and second construction ele ments, said third receiving meanscomprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction,generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said firstand second construction elements,

said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion ofsaid first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving afirst longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first andsecond construction elements and said second receiving means comprisinga comparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for receiving said first edge of said panel from said firstreceiving means for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mountedcondition with said first edge of said panel disposed in said secondreceiving means of one of said first and second construction elementsand with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel beingdisposed in said third receiving means of the other one of said firstand second construction elements,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means, and means mounted on at least one of said firstand second construction elements for maintaining said panel in saidrelatively fixed mounted condition between said first and secondconstruction elements.

9. A framing system as defined in claim 8 wherein said first and secondmullions comprise first and second vertical mullions, respectively.

10. A framing system as defined in claim 9 wherein the width of each ofsaid first and second mullions is substantially one inch.

11. A framing system as defined in claim 9 wherein each of said firstand second construction elements fur ther comprise means for securelymounting a horizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.

1. In combination, a construction element of the type includingtransversely aligned inner and outer face portions and interconnectingportions, said interconnecting portions including a longitudinallyextending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one ofsaid face portions intermediate its width and forming the bottom ofopposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending webextending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in onedirection therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp webextending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other ofsaid face portions to define a deep glazing pocket contiguous with oneof said shallow glazing pockets; and a mullion filler locked to saidconstruction element and including a longitudinally extending web normalto the first mentioned web seated in said deep glazing pocket, and alongitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge ofthe last mentioned web to said other of said face portions whereby saidcombination defines a mullion having opposed shallow glazing pockets. 2.A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said mullion is providedwith opposed gasket channels in each said surface of each shallowglazing pocket.
 3. A mullion comprising a construction element having ajamp surface and parts defining a glazing area in the jamp surface, anda mullion filler cooperatively associated with said construction elementfor retaining the edge of a panel in said glazing area, said partsdefining said glazing area including web portions forming a channelhaving a longitudinally extending interlocking element spaced inwardlyfrom said jamp surface, and said mullion filler being of a generallyU-shape including a first leg received against the bottom of saidchannel and including a projection extending from the opposite leghaving a longitudinally extending interlocking element along its outersurface complimentary to the first mentioned interlocking element, andfurther including a camming surface on its outer edge snapped over thefirst mentioned interlocking element with said mullion filler in saidchannel in mating position and said other leg being substantiallycoplanar with said jamb surface.
 4. A mullion comprising a constructionelement having a jamb surface and parts defining a glazing area in thejamb surface, and a mullion filler cooperatively associaTed with saidconstruction element for retaining the edge of a panel in said glazingarea, said parts defining said glazing area including web portionsforming a channel having a longitudinally extending filler retainerspaced inwardly from said jamb surface, and said mullion fillerincluding a first element having one end received against the bottom ofsaid channel and including another element extending from the other endof said first element having a longitudinally extending retainer meansat its outer surface complimentary to said longitudinally extendingfiller retainer for interlocking therewith, and further including acamming surface on its outer edge snapped into interlocking relationwith said filler retainer in said channel in mating position and saidother element being substantially coplaner with said jamb surface.
 5. Aframing system comprising a first vertical mullion, a second verticalmullion, said first and second mullions being disposed in asubstantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship to define a space forreceiving a planar panel therebetween, each of said first and secondmullions comprising a substantially identical, elongated, unitaryconstruction element having an outer, generally rectangular,cross-sectional configuration in a plane transverse to its longitudinalaxis, said rectangular cross-sectional configuration being defined by afirst outermost pair of substantially parallel, unitary, face portionsof said mullion that define the width of said mullion and one outer sidedimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration and thatextend between the form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces betweenthe planes of a second pair of substantially parallel side portions ofsaid mullion that define the other outer side dimension of saidrectangular cross-sectional configuration, said first pair of portionsbeing disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second pair ofportions and substantially parallel to the plane of said planar panel,said unitary construction element further including first, second andthird means for receiving a panel, said first and second meanscomprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first directionfrom each of said first and second mullions, said third receiving meanscomprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction,generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said firstand second mullions, said first receiving means comprising acomparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel beingmounted between said first and second mullions and said second receivingmeans comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first steppedglazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panelfrom said first receiving means and for retaining said panel in arelatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge of said paneldisposed in said second receiving means of one of said first and secondmullions and with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panelbeing disposed in said third receiving means of the other one of saidfirst and second mullions, said first receiving means having a greaterdepth than the depth of said third receiving means, and means mounted onat least one of said first and second mullions for maintaining saidpanel in said relatively fixed mounted condition between said first andsecond mullions.
 6. A framing system as defined in claim 5 wherein thewidth of each of said first and second mullions is substantially oneinch.
 7. A framing system as defined in claim 5 wherein each of saidfirst and second mullions further comprises means for securely mountinga horizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.
 8. Aframing system for framing a planar member comprising a first elongatedmullion formed by a first elongated construction element, a secondelongated mullion formed bY a second elongated construction element,said first and second construction elements having substantiallyidentical cross-sectional configurations in a direction transverse totheir longitudinal axes, each of said first and second constructionelements including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, outermost faceportions defining the width of each of said mullions in a directiontransverse to said longitudinal axes and parallel to the plane of saidplanar member, said face portions comprising unitary, jointless surfacessubstantially across the entire width of each of said mullions, each ofsaid first and second construction elements further including an innerportion extending between and joining said pair of outermost faceportions, said inner portion comprising first, second and third meansfor receiving a planar member, said first and second means comprising afirst, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each ofsaid first and second construction elements, said third receiving meanscomprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction,generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said firstand second construction elements, said first receiving means comprisinga comparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel beingmounted between said first and second construction elements and saidsecond receiving means comprising a comparatively shallow portion ofsaid first stepped glazing pocket and means for receiving said firstedge of said panel from said first receiving means for retaining saidpanel in a relatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge ofsaid panel disposed in said second receiving means of one of said firstand second construction elements and with a second, parallel,longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said third receivingmeans of the other one of said first and second construction elements,said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means, and means mounted on at least one of said firstand second construction elements for maintaining said panel in saidrelatively fixed mounted condition between said first and secondconstruction elements.
 9. A framing system as defined in claim 8 whereinsaid first and second mullions comprise first and second verticalmullions, respectively.
 10. A framing system as defined in claim 9wherein the width of each of said first and second mullions issubstantially one inch.
 11. A framing system as defined in claim 9wherein each of said first and second construction elements furthercomprise means for securely mounting a horizontal mullion between saidfirst and second mullions.